Colombo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Colombo
Colombo
Colombo
Colombo
Colombo

Colonial charm and Buddhist spirituality mix with beachside entertainment, bustling shopping districts and a love of cricket in Sri Lanka’s coastal capital. 

Colombo is a showcase of Sri Lanka’s Asian and European heritage. It’s where the fast-paced chaos of the continent’s cities meets a lingering colonial ambiance and contemporary fashion. In Colombo, ancient religious shrines stand next to churches, and skyscrapers rise above time-honored shops. Pretty parks are a reminder of Colombo’s “Garden City of the East” nickname while beaches offer an introduction to the island’s 833-mile (1,340-kilometer) coastline.

Discover the spiritual serenity that exists amid the mayhem of the city streets at Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and lakeside Seema Malaka Buddhist Temple. The contrasting Gothic Old Town Hall and neoclassical New Town Hall sit on the edge of gorgeous Viharamahadevi Park. Visit European-influenced churches, including the Dutch-built Wolvendaal Church, Portuguese St. Anthony’s Church and Scottish St. Andrew’s Church.

Browse art collections that date back to the 4th century B.C. at Colombo National Museum and learn about Dutch rule at the Dutch Period Museum. Ape Gama is an open-air folk museum that brings to life the customs of a Sri Lankan village via mock rural scenes. The elaborately decorated Independence Memorial Hall commemorates the nation breaking free from the British Empire.

Pettah is Colombo’s bustling shopping quarter, famous for traditional shops and markets such as Pettah Floating Market. Go to Arcade Independence Square and Crescat Boulevard for brand-name and upmarket fashion. Witness the city’s passion for cricket while attending a match at Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Or, play a round of 18 holes at the immaculate Royal Colombo Golf Club.

Watch the sunset and snack on spicy street food during an evening stroll on Galle Green Face Promenade. Find an aquarium, beer garden and outdoor food court at Diyatha Uyana waterfront park. Mount Lavinia Beach boasts golden sand and chic seafront bars. Spot exotic animals at Dehiwala National Zoo and ride waterslides at Leisure World.

Reach Colombo by flying to Bandaranaike International Airport, located an hour’s drive from the city center. Get around the city via low-cost buses, trains and tuk-tuks.

Where to stay in Colombo

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Bambalapitiya

If you're spending some time in Bambalapitiya, Marino Mall and Bellagio Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Bambalapitiya
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Fort

4/5(36 area reviews)

Fort is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Colombo World Trade Center and Pettah Market.

Fort
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Wellawatte

4/5(23 area reviews)

Wellawatte is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can plan an outing to Majestic City and Dehiwala Zoological Garden while you're in town.

Wellawatte
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Kollupitiya

While visiting Kollupitiya, you might make a stop by sights like Casino Marina Colombo and Galle Face Beach.

Kollupitiya
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Milagiriya

Milagiriya might not have many top sights, but Majestic City and Marino Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Milagiriya
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Havelock Town

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Havelock Town, you might make a stop by sights like Isipathanaramaya Buddhist Temple and Raux Brothers.

Havelock Town
Mandarina Colombo
Mandarina Colombo
5 out of 5
433, Galle Road, Colombo
The price is £41 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£41
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"had a great stay, thank you mandarina."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Mandarina Colombo
Granbell Hotel Colombo
Granbell Hotel Colombo
3.5 out of 5
Kollupitiya Road, 282/5, Colombo, Western Province
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £71 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
£71
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (265 reviews)
"Convenient, easy to check in with 24 hour manned reception. The rooms were great, so was the pool and the view. Wouldn’t recommend the Japanese restaurant."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Granbell Hotel Colombo
Shangri-La Colombo
Shangri-La Colombo
5 out of 5
1 Galle Face, Colombo
The price is £127 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
£127
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (444 reviews)
"The hotel was safe clean. Great breakfast"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Shangri-La Colombo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Altair Luxury Colombo by Miracle
Altair Luxury Colombo by Miracle
3.5 out of 5
121a Sir James Pieris Mawatha, 47, Colombo, WP
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Colombo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Colombo City Centre and Gangaramaya Temple ...
7.8/10 Good! (7 reviews)
"Prefect place"

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Altair Luxury Colombo by Miracle
Supun Arcade Residency
Supun Arcade Residency
3 out of 5
56, Galle Road, Colombo
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Colombo City Centre and Raux Brothers ...
7.2/10 Good! (142 reviews)
"We walked in an apartment with dust and dirt on the floor, mould behind toilet door, mould on kitchen glass tray. They said this apartment was closed for some time. Housekeeping staff should be trained to check on details. Would not recommend for families who are particular about cleanliness. The ..."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2024

Supun Arcade Residency
Colombo 7 Horton Residence
Colombo 7 Horton Residence
4 out of 5
No 30/2, Horton Place, Colombo 7, Colombo, Western Province
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Popular attractions Colombo City Centre ...
Colombo 7 Horton Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Colombo

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
49
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
57
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Big, bustling city. Get out of it to see the rest of the country.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A great city to explore and would recommend people go there before it gets too westernised!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Vibrant and very busy !!!!!!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very clean city , litter free, good roads , disciplined traffic , people friendly and coutreous

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I regularly visit Sri lanka and Colombo so am familier with the country.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beware of the jewellery shop opposite this hotel.

Cities near Colombo